Uterine vent



Dec. 8, 1936. c. R. SPICER 2,063,202

UTERINE VENT Filed Feb. 26, 1935 Patented Dec. 8, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2 Claims.

This invention relates to a uterine vent, designed to relieve and prevent obstructive dysmenorrhea.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a device which when properly positioned, prevents obstruction in the uterine canal thus facilitating the escape of the secretions from the uterus during menstrual functioning, thereby relieving the person using the device of intense pain, due to failure of free egress of the menstrual flow from spasm or mechanical obstruction.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of this character which may be readily and easily positioned by a physician or other properly trained person.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel details of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter more fully described and pointed out in the claims, it being understood that changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.

In said drawing:

Figure 1 is a view illustrating the application of the device.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view through the device and applicator.

Figure 3 is an elevational view through the device.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5--5 of Figure 2.

Referring to the drawing in detail, the device comprises a tubular body portion 5, constructed preferably of glass, and of a length, so that when the device is positioned, it will extend from a point within the cervix of the uterus, to a point above the internal os uteri.

At one end of the body portion is an annular enlargement 6 adapted to be grasped by the constriction at the internal os uteri when the device is positioned, holding the device in proper position to accomplish its purpose.

Spring fingers 1 which are constructed of suitable non-corrosive alloys of gold, are secured to the body portion, and extend from one end thereof, the fingers being curved outwardly as shown by Figure 3 of the drawing, to the end that by opposing each other, the fingers create pressure on the walls of the uterine canal, in which the device is positioned, further retaining the body (01. 12s -1so portion in position. Spring members In, which are constructed of non-corrosive alloys of gold, are also held in position adjacent to the fingers 1 and act to force the spring fingers laterally.

In order that the device may be introduced within the cervix with facility, a guard 8 in the form of a gelatine cap is positioned over the spring fingers, holding the fingers together during the positioning of the device. It will of course be understood that due to the warmth and moisture of the body, the gelatine guard will melt, allowing the fingers to expand and engage the wall of the uterine canal, retaining the body portion in position.

The spring fingers 1 and spring members ID are secured in position on the body portion, by the annular enlargement 6, which is formed of vulcanized rubber, bakelite or the like, moulded over the inner ends of the spring fingers.

When the device is in use, the lower end of the body portion 5 is located within the cervix for definite and essential reasons. The os uteri or entrance to the cervix, collapses sufficiently to cover the end of the tube and prevent fiuids of sanitary or medicinal use in the vagina from entering the cavity of the uterus, though allowing the menstrual flow escape.

The device when positioned, does not contact and irritate the os uteri or entrance to the cervix, and there is no obstruction within the body portion 5 to the normal escape of the menstrual flow, and the device may be used continuously, requiring no attention.

In order that the device may be positioned accurately and with facility, the applicator indicated by Figure 2 is provided, which applicator embodies a tubular member 8', through which the rod 9 extends, the rod being longer than the tube, so that one end of the rod extends beyond the end of the tube, providing a support for the body portion 5. On positioning the body portion 5 is positioned over the extended end of the rod 9 and the device inserted.

After the body portion has been properly positioned, the rod 9 is drawn through the tubular member 8' disconnecting the body portion 5 from the applicator.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. A device of the class described, comprising a tubular body portion of a uniform diameter throughout the entire length thereof, whereby the body portion may be completely housed in the uterine canal of the human body, spring fingers secured externally of the body portion and extending from one end of the body portion, an annular rubber enlargement vulcanized to one end of the body portion and engaging the spring fingers, securing the spring fingers to the outer surface of the body portion, said spring fingers adapted to expand laterally separating the walls of the uterine canal, and said enlargement adapted to contact with the wall of the uterine canal restricting the passage of the material by the 10 body portion and wall of the uterine canal.

2. A device of the class described comprising a CHARLES R. SPICER. 

